6. Earth Observation and Environmental Monitoring

In public geoinformation administration, the use of Earth observation data (EO data) has been steadily increasing. Typical applications include environmental monitoring as well as nature conservation and water protection. In addition to the assessment of vegetation cover and the analysis of algal blooms in public water bodies, EO data are also used, for example, to analyze heat stress in urban areas. Furthermore, radar interferometry methods are applied to analyze ground movements at the millimeter scale. As a result, EO data are now being used across the full spectrum of available sensor technologies.

AI-supported updating of the ATKIS Basis-DLM

Innovative work is being carried out on the AI-based use of EO data to update the ATKIS Base Digital Landscape Model (ATKIS Base-DLM). The objective is to meet requirements for increased update frequencies despite limited financial resources and constrained personnel capacities. In this context, artificial intelligence is intended to complement and accelerate existing, already optimized workflows for maintaining the ATKIS Base-DLM—for example through the automated analysis of digital orthophotos and the automatic identification of forest transition areas.

Sensor Fusion in Earth Observation

Sensor fusion is also an important trend in the field of Earth observation. This includes, for instance, the integration of different sensor technologies within a single platform. Modern EO sensors increasingly combine multiple measurement techniques, such as hyperspectral and thermal infrared sensors, within a common platform. This integrated approach is illustrated in the accompanying image. Efficiency gains achieved through the collection of multiple data types within a single flight or orbit, as well as enhanced insights obtained through joint data analysis, are particularly relevant for applications in agriculture, forestry, and environmental monitoring.